Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #283772 in Books
• Published on: 1998-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

The best course for any Scandinavian language anywhere.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in acquiring a basic knowledge of the Norwegian language for any reason. Indeed, it is sometimes too easy. I combined it with an earlier (1965) edition of the book, which is pure grammar and memorization, so it was perfect: on one hand I could get all the dry grammar and the "bokmål/nynorsk" situation explained to the bone by Professor Sommerfelt, and on the other hand Margaretha Danbolt was there for me with dialogues and smooth grammar understandable to everyone. DEFINITELY get the version with the tapes. There is just no replacement to hearing native speakers, no matter how good you're at written guides to pronunciation. It's a must, otherwise you just won't be understood, especially since Norwegian is a tonal language (though there are only 2 tones). Norwegian is an especially "easy" language for English speakers. I have previous background in other languages (my mother tongue is Spanish), so maybe a first-time experience would not be as easy for everyone, but I can guarantee this book makes it very fun and simple to those genuinely interested in Norwegian. The text follows the story of Bente and John, which, I think, makes it more lively. I haven't finished this, I'm far from finishing actually, but my Norwegian is growing every day through extra practice from many different sources, and I'm very content. The organization of the book is usually satisfying, though I had expected the guide to pronunciation to be covered entirely in the tapes before beginning the course. Instead, after a dialogue or set of dialogues, a portion is covered; then you hear more, then another portion of the guide to pronunciation is covered. This is perfect for those who like to encounter problems and THEN get an explanation. That was the only thing in the organization that I thought was tricky, but I got used to it, and it doesn't last through the entire course. The tapes are absolutely excellent, but the practice exercises tend to be too simple for me. You may want to consider combining this book with something else, such as a dictionary, because it only has a word list at the end. There are Norwegian newspapers all over the web (www.aftenposten.no being my favorite) that can help you practice also. The book is very clear, very well-organized and informative, and to the complete novice in studying another language, it's IT. But for those of us who perhaps have more background, obtaining a little dictionary or another supplement, such an earlier version of the book, could make it more challenging. (It also depends on your goal: I want to be as fluent as possible.) Either way, the book and the tapes are worth every penny. You just couldn't make a better language investment.

Excellent starter for enthusiasts
This is a great book for those enthused about learning Norwegian. Though I did not get the tapes, this book reads through very easily and quickly. You should buy the book instead of borrowing it from the library, like me. The tapes should help out a lot, but I've found that the pronounciation is easy in general. If you are interested in Danish, don't go for it. I've found Norwegian pronounciation to be easier, and Danish just doesn't sound very good.

Bente and John and Kari rule
The book is good but what makes this really unique is the cassettes because you listen to Bente and John and Kari having these entertaining conversations in Norwegian. They speak clearly so you can imitate the words and pick up fast, and follow along in the book. The book starts you off with learning the always tough Norwegian vowels and you go from there, with the help of Bente and John. Tusen takk, ha det!